How to Approach Teacher Recs.

labellehistoire
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:38:07 +0000

E-mail her now that you are starting your college process and that you would like her to write a college rec. for you. Mention that you haven’t finalized your college list (I would start that asap!) but that as soon as you know, you’ll inform her. Be sure to be courteous and appreciative when she accepts. The Common App has a seperate info sheet for teachers to fill out and maybe colleges have a separate one too, not sure. Some teachers are comfortable enough to give you your rec. and then you can make the appropriate number of copies to send to schools. Others prefer to give the rec. to the college counseling office and they make the copies to send to colleges. Figure out what the system is usually. The earlier you tell your teacher about the rec., the more time she has to write a well-written piece about you. Be thoughtful and write to her as soon as you can so that she has the time.

**It would be smart to start your essays now so that you don’t have to do that on top of your regular senior classes. I suggest starting your Common App essays at least. The earlier you start, the more time you can devote to your essays which will develop over time and allow you to send something to colleges that you will be proud of. Don’t wait until the last minute to write a rushed essay that won’t reflect yourself in the best possible light. Colleges put a lot of time and effort to read essays so give it your best, starting now.